Stretching-machine



J. B. HADAWAY AND T. H SEELY.

STRETCHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5.1918.

1,387,430. Patenwd Aug- 9,1921.

. 5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

' J. B. HADAWAY AND T. H. SEELY.

STRETCHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5. i918.

Patented Aug. 9,1921.

5 $}HEET$SHEET 2- J. B. HADAWAY AND T. H. SEELY.

STRETCHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5. 1918.

1,387,430. Patented Aug. 9,1921.

5SHEETS-SHEET 3- J. B.*HADAWAY AND T. H. SEELY.

STRETCHING MACHINE.

' APP'ucATwN FILED MAR.5. 19's. v 1,387,430; PatentedAug. 9,1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4- J. B. HADAWAY AND T. H. SEELY.

STRETCHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 5. 191B.

Patented Aug. 9, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5- entra n STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN rmnnwavgor swaivrrsco r'rg Ann rrHoMAs H. SEELY, 'or ALnnN, MASSA- cnusnr'rs, assreuonsmoumrnn SHOE MACHINERY conrona'rroiv, or PATER- son, NEW JERSEY, a oonnoaa'r oiv m JERSEY.

STRETCHING-MACHINE.

Application filed March 5,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOHN B. HADAWAY and THOMAS H. SEELY, citizens of theUnited States, and residentsof Swampscott, in; the

county of Essex, and Maiden, in the county of ldiddlesex and State of Massachusetts, respectively. have invented certain Improvements in Stretchingvlachines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like partsin the several figures.

This invention relates to fmachines for stretching various materials, and particularly to those by which a definite form is to be imparted to the material in connection with the stretching operation. Y

In theproduction of suclrarticles as leg gings from sheets of leatheror the like, it maybe diiiicult in a single operation to bring the material, especially when it is thick and firm in texture, to the form sought, andin this event it-may be desirable to effect a preliminary shaping of portions,. for example the enlargement at the'c'alf of the leg. For

this purpose the machine of the present invention is well adapted. I

As a feature of the invention,- we provide a work-engaging member, preferably a form which is similar to a portionof the surface over which the material operated ,uponisto fit, and cooperating means, as gripping meinhers, engaging the material: at each side of the form for successively.applying tension to said material underthe controlof thermachine tostretch it uponthe form,land thus gradually and without undue strain expand the portion under treatment to the shape sought. r 3

Theabove-mentioned tension is obtained by relative movement'of the'work-engaging members, as the form and grippingmeans, in the organizationillustrated the form be ing thus moved by the application :of power. Another" feature of'the invention consists in utilizing said relative movement to" cause one of the members to engage the material and thereafter toeifect engagementof an other member; [In the preferred embodi ment of the invention, an operating member in its travel first closes aset of grippers at Specification of LettersPatent.

ing position.

able and preferably Patented Aug. 9; 1921.

1918. Serial No. 220,495.

one side of the form, then closesan oppositej' i the I stretching movement 7 under power operation, aninitial engagement offthe maadjustment of the form toward the stretch- This may be through the agency of a manually operable adjusting member, conveniently inclined 'or wedge jterial and form, preferably by a preliminary shaped. By. this means. the operator, after :the work has been gripped, may bring the form into such contactiwith it that the stretching under the influence of power shall begin with substantially the same initialtension for every operation. i

To retain this manual "adj ustment against {accidental change during the stretching op- .GlitiQlOIl, we provide, as still another feature of the invention, a locking means for the adjusting member and, ashereindescribed, 1

there is also furnished automatic means for actuating the locking means at predetermined times. This automatio'controlf may be'efl ected; by connection with the power-operated means, which preferably; both secures 1 r and frees the manually operable adjusting member. g Z

To avoid excessive strain upon the ma terial, the invention includes as an additionai feature, automatic means for controlling the action of the stretching instrumentalities; In accordance with the present disclosure, the material-is stretched against the} tension of yieldable engaging members, and the extent ofthis yield, this decreasingas I1 the material expands under the stretching force, is utilized to release said material from the grlpping devices through the agency of the driving or power mechanism.

To this end, and as an auxiliary feature, the gr pping devices are mounted upon opposite sides of a n intermediate material-engaging member to move together and have, yieldadjustable' means to resist their movement. Y

. which Another feature is found in automatic means for stopping the operation of our improved machine at one or more predetermined intermediate points in a cycle provided for by the operating mechanism. This means we have shown as consisting of an actuating connection between the operatingthe form that the stretched material is' pressed between them, preferably yieldably. One of these cooperating elements may be heated, the form being here provided with sources of heat of different capacity arranged to best distribute the effect.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a particular embodiment of the invention,

Figure 1 being a full side elevation of the machine;

Fig. 2 a partial enlarged horizontal section on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 an enlarged rear elevation of the upper portion of the machine;

Fig. 4 an enlarged front elevation of the same portion, parts being broken away;

Fig. 5 a vertical section on the line 5,5 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 6 a perspective view of a portion. of the driving and controlling mechanism.

A main supporting frame is made up of side frames 1O, 10 joined by a cross bar 12 (Fig. 6), and vertical rods 14 extended through openingsin the side framesand connected by a lower cross bar 16*and an upper tie bar .18. The side frames are each shown as extended by horizontal bars 20 lying just inside the rods 14 and supported at their front and rear extremities by vertical bars 22 and 24, respectively, bolted to the side frames. The main frame carries work engaging members, here illustrated as provided by opposite gripping devices 26,-26 of which there are preferably a plurality of sets, and an intermediate form 28. The

gripping devices are shown as supported in opposite. pairs on pivoted frames each of furnishes a parallel movement. These frames may consist 'of opposite pairs of, vertical bars 30, 30 joined at. their upper extremities by. pairs of c'ross'links 32. 32 through pivot pins 34, the lower ends of the bars 30 being articulated to generally horizontal arms 36 of bell-crank levers 38 pivoted at 40 upon rods carried. by the bars 20 of the main frame. The lower member of each parallel movement is furnished by. links 42 pivoted to generally vertical arms 44 of the levers 38. The arm 44 on each of the rear bell-crank levers has an extension, to which is attached a spring 46 secured at its opposite extremity to a screw 48 passing through one of a series of openings in a bar 50 connecting the members 20 and 24 at opposite sides of thefram'e. Upon the outer ends of the screws 48 are adjusting nuts 52 provided with hand wheels by which the nuts may be turned to move the screws and thus separately adjust the tension of each spring 46. The springs normally hold the frames supporting the gripping devices in the position peculiarly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings, the movement of the frames beingliinited by a bar 54 extending through slots 56 in the rear frame bars 30 and contacting with the top of the main frame bars. 20. The slots are sufficiently long vertically to allow an upward movement of the pairs of frame members30 independently of one "another,

though they are all held in the same normal position. Secured in pairs near thevopposite extremities of the upper frame links 32 are fixed jaws 58 of the gripping devices, with which cooperate movable jaws 60 pivoted upon the pins 34 of the supporting frame. The cooperating faces of the fixed and movable jaws are preferably roughened to enable them to better grasp the material to be operated upon. From each jaw 60 an arm 62 extends downwardly and outwardly, and has at its lower end a generally horizontal recess to receive a cylindrical plunger 64,

which carries outside the arm, rotatable upon a pin 66, a pair of rolls 68 'forcontact with an operating member to be later described. The weight of the jaw arms 62 is sufficient to maintain the jaws normallyopen, they being limited in their movement in this direction by th'e contact of the pins 66 with the frame bars '30.. lVithin the recess at the rear 'ofeach plunger is a spring 70 tending to force said plunger and supported roll outwardly against a limiting pin 72 situated'in a bore in the arm 62. A

screw 74 is threaded through eacharm at the end of the recess and serves to vary the tension of the corresponding spring 70.

Mounted upon the rods 14 of the main frame are 'guide sleeves 7 6, 76 fixedin {positlon by set screws, and upon whichtravels a supporting memberhaving a main horizontal portion '7 8 and guide projections 80. the outer faces of which are curved to embrace'the sleeves 76. At the under side of the support is a series of depending arms 82, preferably integral with the portion 7 8, with which'armscontact-pins 84 setin the bars 32 guiding the frames supporting the gripping devices in their vertical shove-- ment. Certain of thedepending arms, two designated as 86 being here "shown, are longer than thecompanion arms for a purpose. which 'Will later appear. On the. support 7 8 is mountedthe intermediate Workengaging member28, iii the present instance Q consisting ofv a forin, the upper part 88 of which is similar in contour to the rear of the calf portion of a leg. The ends of the form have guide portions 90 curved to fit the sleeves 76 and permitting the form to move verticallyzaboveits support; The

elfect is obtained; This isipa'rticulai-ly useful in connection with leather.

Above .andinlalineinent with the form,

we have a mold 97 which is hollowed out to T receive the upper portion of the form. This mold 15 carried upon rods 99. extending through a series of openingsiii theti'e bar The lowerends ofthe rods 9 9 are threaded tofiecei've ,iiu'ts"1 01 and between these nuts andthe 18 arehelical springs 103. Nuts and check nuts upon the threaded upper ends of the rods retain the moldin its normal vertical position. The

tension of the springs 103 may be adjusted by turningthe nuts 101. The mold is preferably unheated, the application of a cold surface tothe opposite side of the material fromthat which is flieated by the. form caus ing a greater fshrinking actioniiie liliverted position of the mold, its hollowside 'being down, prevents the accumulation of [dirt in the depress on.

T he support 7,8zi-iidforiii 28 may be moved vertically away from the gripping devices 26 by 0 aeratin mechanism includin ahead a; I as having separate sections 96 and 98, thesebeing in the form of heavy bars extending betweenand guided bythe frame rods The lower ection 96 isconnect'ed at 100 to the upper end ofatoggle 102, the opposite extremity of which' is' pivoted at lOupon the lower frame bar 16. The central articulated portion'of the toggle is oscillated through the contact of a roll 107 rotatably mounted on a link 106 pivoted to the toggle, with a cam 10S carried by a .countershaft 110 jouriialed in the side frames 10. The linlr 106 is conveniently guided, by a fork 112 which may be integral withit and embraces the shaft 110. This, shaft and'thefcam are rotated to straighten 'and brealti the toggle and therebyraise and lower the head section 96, through a gear 11 t which meshes with a pinion 116upon Etlllitlll shaft 118 mounted in bearings in the lower portion of the side frames 10 and rotatable from any convenient source of power by a pulley 120 joined to the shaft 118 through a clutch 122. The clutch may be ofanyconvenient type providing for continuous rotation of the driven element from the driving element when a member, as a treadle 12 1 mounted upon a cross rod 125, is actuated by the operator. A brake 126 is associated with the clutch to promptly stop the rotation of the driven,

partswhen. the clutch is released.

The upper section 98 0f theliead rests upon theoperating section 96 by gravity and is preferably saddle-shaped transversely,

having opposite series of V lateral. projections 128 between which the bars 30 pass and are supported againsttipping transversely of the frame. The rear. and front pro ections 128 have, respectively, upper inclined actuating faces 180 and 132 occupying different vertical positions and operating upon the rolls (38,68 of the corresponding sets of gripping devices. As a result of this arrangement, asthe head section 98 is raised thefacesl30 first contact with the rolls of therear gripping devices closing the aws,

and then the faces 132 striking therolls of .the opposite set of jaws; close them. After the rolls leave the inclined actuating faces, they ride upon vertical retaining faces 13% which temporarily Infillltllll thefengagenient of thejaws with the inaterialwhich has been inserted between them. After the operation of the last-mentionedgripping devices, the

pper horizontal face of the lower head sec- 1 11011 96 contacts with the support pro ections 86, these extending through aliiied openings 136 in the head section 98 (Fig. 4;)

and rises the form away from the gripping devices. The mater al, which when supplied to the machine for engagement by the gripping devices isplaced across the form, is thus stretched by this movement.

In addition to the raising of the form by the power operat'ed means, itis also capable of manual adjustment. For this purpose,

there is interposed between the sunport 7S 4 and the form. an adjusting member 138 mounted to slide'b'etween the guideplates 140 secured 'to the sides of the form, said member preferably having two inclined sur- 1 faces which may each be provided witha se ies of steps 1: 2. (rigse and a). These contact in the longitudinal movement of the adjusting member with projections 144: upon the under side of the form. TOIDOVG the adjusting member, there is connected to it by a pivoted link 1428 a lever 1 16 fulcruined upon one of-the sleeves 76.. The material to be operated upon having been placed upon the form and grasped by the gripping devices 26, the operator may thrust the wedgefinemberinward beneath the form by mean of the lever 1 and as the steos of the incline, contact with the projections 144 they gradually raise the form, rounded corners of the steps permitting the wedges to readily slip beneath the projections; This eontinues until the form isbrought into suiiiciently close engagement with the material, so that the work may be always under sul stantially the same initial tension when power is applied to stretch it.

To secure the member 138 in the position to which it is adjusted, a lockingmember 150 (Figs. 2, t and is movably mounted adjacent to the adjusting member, the two elements having a coiiperatin projection and series of depressions. Asshown, a projection 152 (Fig. 2) is carried by the memliier depressions 15% being formed in the side of the locking member 150 toward the projection. These depressions correspond in number to the steps of each of the-inclines, so that the member 188 may be secured in whatever position it may beadjusted. The locking member 150 is in the form of a bar upon the under side of which are lugs 155 secured to-a spindle 156 having a bearing in brackets 158 projecting from the support To. Surrounding the spindle, near its outer end beyond-the outer bracket, is a member 160 providedwith opposite arms and being frictionally held between a sleeve 162, flanged at its end and secured against rotation upon the outer bracket, and a washer 16% which is forced toward the member 160 by a helical spring 166 situated between it and a nut and check nut 168. Upon each side of the member 160, between the sleeveand the washer, are placed disks 169 of some suitable friction material, such as leather, and the spring 166 is placed under such tension by the nuts that the spindle 156 may be caused to turn by the member 160, though these elements are free to slip relatively to one another when the locking member reaches the end of its movement. The outer arm or the member 160, or that toward the front oil the machine, carriesa pin 170 extending into a slot in a link 1T2 pivoted to the section 98 of the operating head. The opposite or inner arm has a pin 176 entering a slot in a link 1T8 pivoted at the end of the tie bar 18. When the parts are in their normal position, or at the beginning of an'operation, the link 172 is so drawn down by the head section 98 that the pin 170 contacts with the end of its slot, thus turning the spindle and moving the depressions 154clear of the pin 152 in the adjusting member. When the form rises to stretch the material, the pin 1T6 moving with it contacts with the upper extremity of the slot in the link 178. This rotates the spindle in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 1, bringingthe depression in the locking member, which may be at that time opposite the pin 152, into engagement therewith, thus retaining the adjusting member against accidental displacement. Opposite movement of the form at the end of the operation rotates the spindle in an anti-clockwise direction and releases the adjusting member, as already described. Thefrictional connection of the member 160 to the spindle allows movement of the links 17 2 and 178 with respect'to their pins beyond-that which is necessary to rotate the spindle, without interfering with the operation of the-elements.

After the operating head has by its sur- 'faces 130 and 132 caused the jaws to grip the work, the section 98 is held at a definite closed by contact of the surfaces 134:with the rolls 68, while "the section 96 is successively raised by the driving mechanism, carrying the section'98, the support 188 and the form above this minimum height to perform .the stretching operation. For the purpose 'ot'thus retaining the section 98 in this 1 the rear portion of the mainframe, acts to hold the, inner face of the projection 186 against the latching member 13 As the "read section 98 is raisedYby the lower sec- 96, it carries the bar182 with itnWhen, the operation of the'surfaces 132,'the front set of gripping devices has been closed, the lower edge of the member 184 reaches a point just above theshoulder 186, at which time the spring 190 draws the shoulder be neatn the member thus latching up the bar 182 and the section 98 from which itis hung.

After the head section 98 has been thus latched in the work-engagingposition, the

operation continues by successive reciprocatio'ns oi the form until the desired amount or" stretch has been imparted to the material under treatment, at which time it is desired to release the section 98, this, in its descent by gravity, in turn releasing the gripping devices. Depending from an extension of one of the frame bars 30 supporting the grippers is 'a link 192 situated above and just at the rear of the arm 188. Pivotally connected to the lower end of this link is a second'link194, through a slot vinthe other extremity of which extends a pin 196 carried by. the toggle members near their juncture. Fixed at'the bottom'of the link 192 is a contact, portion- 198, which in the normal position of the gripper frame comesintohorizontal "alinement with a cooperating min'inn'im operating heightto retain the jaws stretching operation the material resists the movement of theform, so that the gripping devices and the supporting frames may be raised considerably. This, at the time the toggle is straightened, brings the contact portion at 198 above the portion 200, so that when the toggle pin 196 contacts with the outer or forward end of the slot in the link 194 to move the first-named contactportion toward the second they are out of horizontal alinement and the portion 200 is not struck. As the material expands under thestretching operation, less and less tension is exerted upon the spring 46, allowing the gripper frame to remain at a lower position. Finally when the desired amount of stretch has been imparted to the material, this being determined by the adjustment of the nuts 52, the contact portion 198, upon the straightening of the toggle, will be moved against the portion 200. This swings the arm 188 toward the front of the machine, removing the shoulder 186 from beneath the latch member 184. The bar 182 thus released falls, and with it the head section 98, until stopped'by the lower section. Both the re-' taming faces 134 and operating faces 130 and 182 of the section 98 are thus carried.

below the rolls 68, permitting the arms 62 to swing inwardly to open the gripping jaws and release the material. This release notilies the operator that the machine has acted to the desired degree and he may stopit'by removing his foot from the treadle 124.

On account of considerable tension exerted by the spring 190and the relatively short releasing movement of the contact portions 198 and 200, in absence of special provision to prevent it the latching element184 might not fall from the shoulder 186'before'the arm 188, released by the withdrawal of the contact portion 198 upon the breaking of the toggle, would be drawn back to the latching position and so continue to hold up the bar 182 and the head section 98. To prevent this and insure the releasing of the work from the gripping devices at the desired time, means is preferably provided to positively prevent such reengage-ment. Pivoted near head section 98 is latched up. This position of the stop memberis normally niaintained" by a spring 206 extending from the member to the arm 188 and drawing the former against a pin 204. As the member 184 rises prior to engagement'with the starlets 186,

member before it about its pivot, so that-the its upper edgestrikesthe overhanging ex tremity of the stopmember 202, moving this" latching engagement is notinterfer'ed'with.

When, however, the contact portion 198 thrusts the'shoulder 186 from beneath the cooperatm member, the stop member is* promptly c rawn byits sp'ringinto the path of the member 184, so that the arm-188is held by the engagement of the end of the stop member with; the forward face of the l, member 184 from returning to the latching position until the adjacent 'verticalfaces of the members 186 and" 188 have come into contact to nullify the latching effect.

While the driving mechanism acting through the clutch tends tocause the 'operating head to move the work-engaging mem here through a continuous cycle'of opera-g tions-including the closure of one'set of posite set of gripperswith a final succession 2.90 ppers, followed by the closure of the opf of stretching movements of the form until J released under the control of the work, as

above described'for the proper manipula- '95? .tion of the. work, we prefer to automatically" interrupt this cycle at certain intermediate polnts controlled by the operating mechanism. The treadle 124, by which the oper ator causes the engagement of the clutch 120, is free to' turn about the rod 125 and has pivoted upon an upward extension 208 (Figs. 1 and 6) ahooked connecting inember 210, the end 212 of which overhangs a. pm 214 upon an arm 216 also capable of turning about the treadle 'rod.- Pivotally connecting this'arm- 216 and the clutch mechanism is a link 218. A spring 220, connecting the treadle and frame, holds the former -in its normally raised position. Above the hooked portion 212 of the member 210 is horizontally-extending pin 222 engaged by the hooked extremity 224 of a disengaging memberin the form of a bar 226, movable through an opening'in a'guide stud 228 carried at the inner side of one'of the frame memberslOJ A spring 230 joinsthe mem ber 210 and the bar 226 to retain the hook 224 in engagement with thepin222f Upon T the bar226, near the member 182 movable with the head section 98, are two contact projections 232 and 234 separated from one another; by a space approximately equalto the 1 distance through which the operating head- I moves to effect the closure of'the second' set of grippin devices after the actuation of the butnormally out of engagementwitma con the upper edge of this contact member being somewhat below the lower projection 232. When the operator depresses the treadle, swinging the extension 208 forward, the hook 212, by its engagement withthe pin 214, draws the link 218 forward to cause the engagement of the clutch. This brings the operating mechanism into action to straighten the toggle and raise the operating head. Vith the member 210 the lower end of the bar 226 also swings forward, bringing the projection 232 above the member 236. Now, as the head rises, and with it the bar 182 and contact member 236, the latter strikes the under side of the projection 232 lifting the bar and drawing the hook 212 away from the pin 214. This releases the clutch from the treadle and stopsthe movement of the operating mechanism. The head section 98 is consequently stopped in its position for closing the rear set of gripping devices.

his foot from the treadle the projection 232 is moved back from the member 236 and the bar falls, allowing the hook 212 toreengage the pin 21%. A second depression of the treadle movesthe projection 2341 above the member 236 and again operates the clutch,

the disengagement of which is effected by contact between the member-236 and the pro: jection 23a in the manner just explained, when the head section, 98 reaches the height at which the forward set ofgripping devices is closed. Upon the succeeding release of the treadle both projections 232 and 23% move below. the member 236. Thereafter upon the actuation of the'treadle, the: driving. mechanism'acting through the clutch continues to reciprocate the form .to stretch the material as long as the treadle is held down.

In using our improved machine for the stretching of leggings preliminarily to their final forming, the operator lays a suitably tempered blank across the top of the form with one edge between the jaws of the rear set of gripping devices 26 and actuates the treadle. mechanism and operating .mechanism',

straightening the toggle and raising the op erating head until thesurfaces 130 cause the jaws of the rear set of devies 26 to grip the material. At this. time, the contact member 236 reaches the disengaging projection 232 to throw off: the connections between the treadle and clutch and free the operating mechanism. from the driving mechanism. Theheadtherefore stops with the jaws held closed by the surfaces 134. A succeeding actuation of? the trea'dle' closes the forward the surfaces- 132, and the. clutch is again thrown ofi by the contactofa'the member 236 This gives the operator an opportunity. to position the work for. engagement by the forward set. When he raises The clutch connects the driving;

I with the upper projection 234. Now both sets of jaws are held upon the work by the head surfaces-13 1, the head at this time being latched upv in this grip-retaining position by the engagement of the latching elements 184 and'186; Thereupon the operator draws out thelever 14:6, until the adjusting memflow the operator presses down the treadle.

and retains it there. The operating head is sucessively reciprocated by the driving mechanism, coming into contact with the projections 86 of the form support and forcing the form against the material held between the jaws to stretch it. .As the form approaches its limit of upward movement, it enters the depression in the mold .97 which yieldingly presses upon the material, tending to set it in the form'to which it is stretched, this being aided by the shrinking action of the inner heated form and the outer cold mold. .During this reciprocation the surfaces-13 1 move beneath the rolls 68.

of the gripping-devices to hold the jaws closed; At the beginning of the movement. of the form under power operation, the pin 176 of'the locking device for the adjustingmember 138 strikes the end of theslot in the link 178 to setshift the locking device that the member is held in place during the power operation; As the stretching action continues and the material expands, the gripping devices and their supporting frames riseless against the pull of the springs 46, until, when the tension of the latter is snflic1ent to hold them in their lowest or normal position, the contact members'198and 20-1) come together to disengage the latching members and release the operating head. This falls, carrying the surfaces 131- away from the rolls 68, thus freeing the work and stopping the stretching action. A signal is thereby furnished the operator ofthe completion of the stretching operation, and he thereupon frees the treadle and the machine is ready to receiveanotherblank. The adusting member 138 is freed from the lock mg dev ce by the contact of the pin 170 with thenpper extremity of the slot in link 172. I i j Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure'by Letters Patentof the United States is E 1. In a machine of the class described, a

"form for cotiperation with the material to 2. In a machine of the class described, a

rorm for cooperation with the material to beoperated upon, material-engaging means,

a source of power for causing relative movement of the form and engaging means, and

means for controlling the application 1 of 'power, said controlling means being constructed and arranged to cause for: a single" aone oi the first-mentioned engaging means" and then upon further movement.operating actuation a plurality of relative movements of the form and engaging means.

37 In a machine of the class described, a form for cooperation with the material to be-operated upon, material-engaging means,

and means for successively reciprocating the form wlth respect to the engaging means. 4. In a. machine ofthe class described,

means for gripping opposite edges of the material to be operated upon, a member con tacting with an intermediate-portion of the material, and means operating successively under the, control of the machine for mov-' ing the members relatively to one another to gradually stretch thematerial. 5.'In a machine of the class material to be operated upon, a member contacting'with an intermediate portion of the; material, and automaticmeans for successively moving the members relatively to one another to gradually stretch the material.

6. In a machine of the classdescribed, a form for cooperation with the materialto be operated upon, means operating successively under the control of the machine for plac v ing the material under tension to stretch it across the form, and yieldable connections for the tension-applying means, said connections being tensioned during the stretching OPGlELtlOIlJ 1 g 7 In a machine of the class descr bed, a

form for cooperation with the material to be I operated upon, mea'ns' operating' successively under the control of the machine torplacmg the materlaliunder tens on to stretch it across the form, and yieldable connections p v of times for each operation Qtt-he gripping.

for the tension-applying means, said connections being differently and progressively tion of the leg forcooperation with legging material, material-engaging means, asource the form and material engaging means, said means engagingthe material at closely adjacent points throughout substantially its entire length to stretch said material over.

the formand impart to it a leg-shape, and:

- and a movable member cooperating first with yieldablemeans for resisting saidmov ement.

9. In a'machine of the class descr1bed,fa plurality of separate mater al-engag ng means, an intermediate material-engag ng means relatively movable to stretch thepower for causingrelativemovement of.

to operate the .opposite engaging,

10. In a'machine' of the class described, a" plurality; of-"separate material engagmg means, an'i-ntermedlate material-engaging" means, and a movable 'menibeigsaid' member during a portionof its nnwemen't operating the' opp'ositeengaging means.

ll. Ina machine of the class described,

then uponiturther movement operating the opposite engaging means, and finallyoperating "to move the "intermediate engaging means; 7 a a A H 12x-In a machine oilfthe class described,

a plurality of devices for gripping theiwork described,

b f 't l "'tl mem eis o1 ripping opposi e ec es or 1e and a movablemembcr,said memberduring a portion otits movement opcrating a grip pingldevice and during itsfurther movement operat ng. another gripping device.

In a machine of the class described, a plural tyof devices for gripping the work, and amovable-membcr having contact faces;

normally situated at dilierent distances from; the] gripping devices and successively co operating with them to causethemto engage the work at different times. I

' 1 6. In astretching machine, a iornnza alu-c rality of gripping" devicescoiiperating with the work in the stretching operation enda movable member cooperating firstwithflthe movement acting to close another gripping device, and finally cooperating with the form to force it against the work.

17. In astretching machine a form,

plurality of" gripping devices cooperating with the workiii the stretchingoperatioin;

a gripping device to close it, then on further movement acting to close another gripping gripping device to close it,thenon further) I with which it cooperates to effect engagement, and a work-engaging member situated in the path of the head though initiallyout of cooperation therewith to be moved by said head.

19. In amachine of the class described,

a reciprocatory head having oppositely in,- clined surfaces, separate grippers each provided with a movable jaw member cooperating with one ofithe inclined surfaces,

and a movable form and form support, the support contacting with the head between.

the inclined surfaces.

20. In a stretching machine, a form,

means for engaging the material to be stretched upon opposite, sides of the "form,

power-operated means for moving the fornr stretched upon opposite sides of the form, and power-operated means for effecting a preliminary movement of the engaging means in the stretching operation, said means thereafter being effective to successively reciprocate the form under the control of the machine to accomplish gradually the stretching operation.

22. In a stretching engaging members, a form support, a form for cooperation with the engaging members movable upon the support, and an adjusting member interposed between the. support and form, said form and the adjusting member having contacting surfaces one of which is inclined.

23. In a stretching machine, materialengaging members, a form' support, a form for cooperation with the engaging members movable upon the support, and an adjusting member interposed between the support and form, said form and adjusting member having contacting surfaces one of which is inclined and provided with steps.

24. In a stretching machine, materialengaging members, a form support, a form movable upon the support, an adjusting member interposed between the support and form, a lever, and connections between the lever and adjusting member.

25. In a stretching machine, workeengaging means, power-operated means for mov ing the work-engaging means, manually operated means for moving the work-engaging means, and automatic means for locking the moving means at predetermined times.

26. In a stretching machine, work-engaging means, power-operated means for'moving the work-engaging means,manually operated means for moving the work-engaging means, and means controlled by the poweroperated means to retain the work-engaging meansin its position of manual adjustment.

machine, materialing the work-engaging-means, manually op--' erated means for moving the work-engaging means, and means controlledby the poweroperated means to retain the work eng'aging means in its position of manual adju'stment and thereafter to release said work-engaging means. 1

28. In a stretching machine, a form, power-operated means for moving the form, manually operated means for: moving the form, andmeans controlled by the poweroperatedmeans to lock themanually operated means against movement. 1

29. In a stretching machine, a form, power-operated= means formoving the form, manually operated means" for/moving the form, means controlled by the power-operated means to lock the manually operated means against :movement, and means also controlled by the power-operatedmeans to free the manually operated means.

8O. The combination .with a movable support, of a form movableonthe'support, a form-adjusting member, and lockingmeans for the adjusting member controlled in the movement of thesupport,

31. The combination with a re'ciprocatory 7 support, of a form movableion the support,

a form-adj usting member, and locking means for the ad usting member oppositely "con trolled inthe reciprocation of the support.

32. In a stretching machine, work-engag- -ing members relatively movable toward and from one another, independent means constructed and arranged to effect the relative movement, andmeansunder the influence of .one. of SELlCI moving'meansffor controlling the other."

33. Ina stretching machine,work-engaging members and a supporting member 'relatively movabletoward and from one another,

a form carried by the supporting member,

an adjusting'member for'varying the position of the formon the support, and locking means for the adjusting member made ef- :t'ective in onemelative movement of theing members and a supporting member relatlvely movable toward and from one another, a form carried by the supporting member, an adjusting member for yarying the position of the form onthe support,

and lockin'g means for the adjusting member made effectivew'hen the engaging members and support separate and ineffective when they approach. 1

35. The combination with a supportand a formmovablethereon, of a formi-adjusting member, and a lockingmember mov able into and out of cooperation with the adjusting member, said adju'sting'member I form in its adjusted .position,.inclucling an oscillatory spindle provided with. looking slot connection withthe arm. 41. In a stretching machine, a rec1procaand locking inemberbeing provided with'a cooperating pro ection and seriesof depress1ons. Y

36; In a stretching machine, a 'form,

power-operated means for moving the form,

manually operated means for moving the form, and means, controlled by the pow-en operated means "and including frlctio'nal connections to retain thetorm in its posii the adjustingmember, and actuating means for the locking meansjoin'ed to a point movable relativelyto thelocking means and including frictional connections; j V

38. In a stretching machine, a movable support, a form adjustable in position'on the support, and means for retaining the means, and a slotted connection between the spindle and a relatively movable point organized to'cause rotation ofthespindle and also to permit its bodily movement.

39. In a stretching machine, a frame, a support movable thereon, a form adjustable in position on the support, means for re-' taining'the form in its adjusted position and including an oscillatory spindle provided with locking means, and a slotted connec tion between the spindle and frame.

4C0. In a stretching machine, aframe, a, support movable thereon, a form adjustable in position on the support, means for retaining the form in its adjustedposition and including an oscillatory spindle provided with locking means,-an arm frictionally con nected to the spindle, and a link pivoted to the frame and having a shiftingpin-and tory operating member, a support movable relatively thereto, a form adjustable in posi tion'on the support, means for'retaining a I a H tion w1th;.amovable form and yieldable the form in its adjusted position including an oscillatory spindle provided'with locking means,and a slotted connectionbetween the spindle and operating member.

' 42.-In a machine of the class described,

means for stretchingn1aterial, and automatic means for controlling the action of the stretching means inaccordance with. the

amount the material has beenstretched.

43. In a machine of the classdescribed,

1 means for stretching'material, and means dependent upontheamount the material has been stretched for notifying the oper ator of the degree of action of the machine.

454:. In a machine of the class described,

means for gripping and stretching material,

and automatic 'means depending; on the amount the mater1al has been stretched for a a a q a plurality of" movable work-engaging 130 releasing the gripping means.

the driving mechanism for limiting the other section against movement in one ,direcof said stretching means,

47. In a machine of the class described, yie'ldable means for gripping and stretching material, andautomatic means depending upon the amount of yieldxfor releasing the gripping means. f 1

i 48(In a stretching machine, traveling and yieldable stretching members, and means for c ontrolling a traveling member through the movement ofa yieldable-member.

49. In a machine of theclass described, a

plurality of movable work-engaging means,

an pperating member movableto different positions toeffect the movement of the workenga'ging means, and means for retaining the operating member against recession from one of its operating lpositions while permitting it to advance to another operat ing position. I v 7 l I v 50. Ina machine of the class described, a plurality of movable work-engagingmeans, an operating member torthe work-engaging means having independently movable sections, and means for retainingone of the sections in its operating position for one of the Work-engaging means whilepermit ting-themovementot the other section.

51. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of movable workengaging means, an operating member for,,the'workengaging means having independently mov able sectionsymeans for' reciprocatmg one of theisections, and means for locking the tion. a V

52; In a stretching machine, the combina Work l l j Ofoperating means for mo'vg ing the formandclosing the grippers, mean for retaining the operating means in its-.

gripperclosing position, and'means cons u trolled bythe'yield. of the grippers for re"- leasin the operatingtm'eans.

53. n a machine of the class described, a *plurality *of movable Work engaging 1-20 means, anoperating member movable tojdifferent positions to effect the movementof" the work-engaging means, means for retaining the operating member against recession: 4 from one o'f-its operating positions while permitting it to advance'to another operating position, andautomaticmeansfor free ing the operating member, f

54. Ina machine of the class described,

means, an operating member movable to different positions to effect the movement of the work-engaging means, meansfor retaining the operating member againstrecession from one of its operating positions While permitting it to advance to another operating position, means for freeing the operating member, and connections to a Workengaging member for controlling the freeing means. i i

55. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of movable Work-engaging means, an operating member movable to different positions to effect the movement of the- Work-engaging means, means for. retaining the operating member against recession from one of its operating positions While permitting it to advanceto another operating po Sition, bower-operated means for freeing the operating member, and connections to the Work-engaging means for positioning the freeing means. I

56. In a machine of theclass described, Work-engaging means, a movable operating member therefor, retaining means for the operating member, means for disengaging the retaining means, and means for preventing re'e'ngagement of the operating means and retaining means.

57 In a machine of the class described, Worleengaging means, a movable, operating member therefor, retaining means for the operating member including contactinglatch members, means for disengaglng the latch members, and a stop movable into the path;

of one of the members.

58. In amachine of the class described,

l Work-engaging means, a movable operating member therefor, retaining means for the operating member latch members in engagement, means for dis: engaging the latch members, and a stop movable into the path of one of the members to prevent reengagement under the influence of the spring. 7

59. In a machine ofthe class described, Work-engaging means, a movable operating member therefor, retaining: means for the operating member including latch members, means'for disengaging the latch members, and a stop carried by one of the members andmovable into the pathof;

the other member. 7 l l 60. In a machlne of the class described,

work-engaging. means, a movable operating, member therefor, retaining means. forthe operating member including cooperating latching surfaces movable into engagement in two directions, means for separating the surfaces, and means for preventingtheir re engagement in one direction Whilepermitting movement in the other direction.

61. In a machine of the class described, e ab i kn a ng m n a IQQ PII including contacting latch members, a spring tending to hold the contacting toryheadfor efiecting the movement, a latch memberconnected-to the head, a member fixed relatively to the head, and a latch member icarriedby the relatively fixed memmember., i I i 62. In a machine of the class described,

her and cooperating with the first-named movable Work-engaging means, a reciprocafixedrelatively to the'head, a latch member carried by the. fixed member .and cooperatingwith the firstmamed latch member, and'a contact member connected to aWorkengagingmember and actuated by'the. driving mechanism to. move: one of the latch members, g

6a. In a machine ofithe class described, movable work engaging means, a reciprocatory head for efiec'ting the movement,a latch member connected :to the head, a:member fixed relatively tothe head, a latch memberv carriedby the fixed member and cooperating With the first-namedmember, and astop carried by one latch member and" being movable into the path of the other.

In a"machine.'of the class described, movable Work-engaging means, reciprocatory head for effecting the movement, said head consisting of independently ,movablesect ons one of-saldsections cooperat ng with 1 i the work-engaging means, driving means connected" to the other section, and latch members, respectively attached to the sectioncooperating with the work-engaging. means andftoa relatively fixedpointi 66. Inia stretching machine, devicesfor gripping opposite sides of-the material to be stretched, an intermediate j material-engaging member, asupport upon. Whichthe opposite gripping devices are mounted to movetogether, andyieldable means for re- 7 sistin the movement of. the support.

67 In a stretching machine, devices for grippingopposi fi; Sides ofthe material to be stretched, an intermediate material-engaging member, a, support upon which the. opposite gripping devices are. mounted to move together, yieldable means for resisting the movement of the support, and means arranged to vary the resistance.

68. In a'stretching mach ne,a plurality of pairs of devices, for gripping .opposite sides 7 5f the material, t be sttetchedkan inter ar diate material-engaging member an, inde pendently movable support upon which each of the pairs ofgrippmg devices is mounted,

and independently adjustable means for ref sisting the, movement of; each support.

69. The combination withza'form, of workgripping members situated at each side of the form, and an articulated frame furnishing a parallel movement and upon whichthe gripping members are'mounted. j

70. The combinaion with a form,-of workgripping jawssituatedateach side of the form, and an articulated frame furnishing a parallel movement and upon the articulations of which the jaws are pivoted.-

, 71. The combination with a form,iof workgripping members situated at each side of the form, a frame upon which-thegripping members are mounted,: and] an operating member for the grlpplng members'furnlshmg guides for the frame.

72. The combination with a form audits I support, of work-grippingmembers situated at each side of the support, and aymovable frame upon which the gripping membersgiare mounted, said frame being guided, in its movement by the form support; 1

73. In a stretching machine, a mainframe, opposite levers fulcrumedthereon, bars-pivoted upon the levers-links connecting the levers and bars and furnishing therewith a supporting frame, and opposite works-engaging jaws mounted upon the supporting frame. .v

74. In astretching machine, a main frame, opposite bell-crank levers fulcrumed thereon bars pivoted upon the levers, links connecting the levers and bars. and furnishing therewith a supporting frame, opposite work-en gaging Jaws mounted upon the support ng frame, and springs connecting the levers and main frame,-

A I r 75. In a stretching machine, a mainframe,

opposite bell-crank levers fulcrumed there-v on, bars pivoted upon the levers, links connecting the levers. and bars and furnishingtherewith a supporting frame, opposite work'engaging aws mounted upon thesupporting frame, springs connecting the levers and main frame, and a jaw-operating member movable between the bars.

76. In a stretching machine, a main frame, opposite bell-crank levers fulcrumed thereon, bars pivoted upon the levers, links connecting the levers and bars and furnishing therewith a supporting frame, opposite work-engagingjaws mounted upon the supporting frame, springs connecting the levers and main frame, and a jaw-operating member movable between the bars andfurnlshlng guldes therefor. r

. 77. In a stretchingmachina'a movable form, a plurality of members for gripping the material to be stretched, mechanism for,

successively operating the gripping members and" moving the form, and automatic means for stopping the operatingmechanism after the "operation of a portion of the gripping members and thereafter again stopping the operating mechanismflbefore. the form is moved; i '78. In stretching smachine, a movable form, work-gripping members associated therewith, operating mechanism for successively actuating the gripping members and moving the form, driving mechanism which maybe connected to the operating mech ae, nism to effect bothits gripping and: form moving operations nnd means controlled by the operating mechanism for disconnecting the-drlving mechanlsm and operating meche anism after the actuation er the gripping members.- yq p 79.In' a stretchmg machme, a movable form, -;work-gr1pp1ng members sltuated at opposite sides ofthec form, operating'mech v grippingmembers and moving the form,

driving mechanism which may be connected to the operatingmechanism for both actuatingthe gripping members and movingthe form, and means controlled by the operating mechanism for disconnecting the; driving mechan sm and operating 'mechanisn 'after each gripping operation, said disconnecting means becoming ineffective after the opera described,

tion ofboth' gripping means.

a a machine of sthe class worleengagmg members, a reciprocatory power, connections including a clutch for ]O1Il1Ilg the head andsource of power, a member actuated by the operator, connections between said member and the clutch, to cause the engagement of the clutch upon actuation'by the operator, and amember movable with the head for said clutch connections.

82. In a machine of the class described, Work-engaging members, a reciprocatory head for moving said members,a source of power, connections including a clutch for joining the head and source of power, a member. actuated by the operator, connections between said memberqand the clutch I to cause the engagement ofthe clutch upon head for moving said members, a source of I disconnecting actuation by the operator, and a member movable with the head for disconnecting said clutchconnections, said connections being reestablished upon release of the operator-actuated member. j I I 88. In a machine of the class described, work'- engaging members, a reciprocat ory head for moving said members, a source of power, connections including a clutch for joining the head and source of power, a member actuated by the operator, 00111130". tions between said member and the clutch including a hook to cause the engagement of the clutch upon actuation" bythe operator, a disengaging member joined to the hook, and a member movable with the head for operating the disengaging member to withdraw the hook from its connection.

8 L. In a machine of the classdescribed, work engaging members, a reciprocatory head. for moving said members, a source of power, connections including a clutch for joining the head and source of power,'a member actuated by theoperator, connections between said member and the clutch.

including a hook to cause the engagement of the clutch upon actuation by the opera-' tor, a disengaging member joined to'the hook and being provided with a plurality of projections, and a member movable with the head for successive contact with the projections to effect a plurality of (withdrawals of the hook fromits connection.

85. In a machinefor forming leggings, a form corresponding in contour to a portion of the leg, a mold for cooperation withthe form, and means for stretching theleggingmaterial upon the form.

86. In a machine for forming leggings, a form corresponding in contourto a portion of the leg, a mold forcooperation with the form, means at each side of the form for engaging the legging-material, and means j for moving the form toward the mold.

87 In a machine for forming leggings, a' formcorrespondmg 1n contour to apport on of the leg, a mold cooperating with the form,

means for yieldably supporting one of said cooperating elements," andmeans for stretchmg thelegglng-materia-l upon theii'orm.

. 88.1111 a machine for forming leggings,ja

form corresponding in. contour to a portiou of the leg, a mold for cooperationwith-the form, and automatic means to bring the ments, and means for stretching the legging means for stretching the legging-material upon the form. a

91. In a forming machine, a form of different dimensions, and, a plurality of heating means situated in different sized portions of the form and being of different heating capacity. I

92. In: a forming machine, a form of different dimensions, and a plurality of electrical heating meansfsituated in different sized portionspffthe 'for'm and being of different heating capacity.

93. In a machine for forming leggings, a form having a calf portion and'an adjacent contractedportion, and means for applying greater heat to the format the calfthan at the adjacentportion; 1

94.;In a machine for forming leggings, form havinga'calf portionand an adjacent ing. meanssituated inthe two portions, that in the calf portion bemg of greater heatmg capacity. i

JOHN B.- HADAWAY'. riioinrs, H; snenr,

In testimony whereof we have "signed ournames toi'this spec1ficat'1on.'-

form correspondingin contour to a portion g of the leg, heating means within the form, a mold for cooperation with the form, and

s5 contracted portionpand independent heat- 

